In a nutshell

LIFE-PROMETHEUS tackles one of the Med’s toughest challenges: the decline of elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, skates) driven largely by by-catch. With 21 partners across several EU countries, the project will reduce by-catch at sea, pivot tourism and markets toward responsible choices, and promote alternatives such as the consumption of invasive alien species (IAS), aligning conservation with real livelihoods.

Why it stood out

• High relevance & impact: Clear fit with LIFE Nature goals and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
• Scale & cooperation: A large, international consortium; 45 letters of support from authorities and expert bodies (e.g., GFCM, UNEP-MAP SPA/RAC, IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group).
• Catalytic design: Builds on and upscales results of previous LIFE projects; strong transfer and replication potential EU-wide.

“……the ambition to change behaviour toward responsible tourism, as well as to shift the fishing and restaurant sectors toward the consumption of alien invasive species rather than threatened species.” – Carmen Gangale

What changes on the water (and on shore)

• By-catch reduction: Training, tools and best-practice protocols for fishers to avoid or safely release elasmobranchs.
• Market shift: Encourage IAS into the value chain while reducing pressure on threatened species, backed by the Shark Free ecolabel.
• Better tourism: Promote responsible, wildlife-safe ecotourism that values living sharks and rays.
• Shared knowledge: Field data integrated with MEDLEM, the Mediterranean database for large elasmobranchs.

How it works

• Fishers at the centre: Practical gear tweaks, handling guidelines, and onboard training co-designed with fishing communities.
• Behaviour change: Tailored campaigns for restaurants, retailers, guides and tourists to reward responsible choices.
• Policy alignment: Close ties with national ministries and regional sea bodies ensure results feed into MSFD actions.

Risks & resilience

Broad participation is a strength, but engagement must last. The project includes a dedicated risk management plan to sustain behaviour change, keep stakeholders active, and secure continuity beyond grants.

Built to spread

• Already multinational: Actions run in several countries, paving the way for EU-level uptake.
• After-LIFE: Partners commit resources to keep core activities going; MEDLEM integration and Shark Free roll-out continue post-project.

Lessons for future LIFE applicants (from the NCP lens)

• Be crystal clear on objectives and impact.
• Assemble the right consortium, authorities, industry, NGOs, science, early and document support.
• Capitalize on prior evaluations and address reviewer feedback explicitly.
• Show replication pathways from day one.

LIFE success

When fishers, scientists, policymakers and businesses pull together, the Mediterranean’s sharks and rays get a real chance to recover, while coastal economies gain new, sustainable options.